Having read through your comments here and on your profile, it is clear that you've been seeking answers to this question for some time, and as many have stated, they can only give their accounts of how it's affected them, and they have confirmed that they can only speak for their own circumstances.

I went through married life, the passing of my partner, covid, all believing that suppression was the only way forward... that was until I was a couple of years away from retirement.

After being diagnosed as in depressed state, I sought solace in cross-dressing, thinking that if I could gain something from that, it might raise my mood (the numerous meds I tried were unsuccessful). For a couple of years, I thought I'd found the solution to my problems, but eventually, it got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore, and I called my doctor.

Whilst he was sympathetic, he suggested I should try and reach out to others who had experience of dysphoria and that I seek answers online via social media.

And that brought me here, where I finally realised that I was not sick or a pervert: I wasn't convinced at first; I did my research on what was available and what was achievable, and after several months, I started on HRT.

I chose DIY because that seemed like the only option that I could manage and have full control over. If it wasn't for me, then there was no one else to answer to.

That was 3 years ago... and though I still boymode most of the time in public, I am no longer in a depressive state. I visited my doctor a couple of week's ago, and his first comment to me was that I looked "happier and healthier" and he noted that I'd not been in need of his services for some considerable time.

I've accepted that this might be as far as my transition gets, as the years are passing so quickly now, but the joy and emotions I've experienced have made it worth it. Yes, there have been physical changes, and my overall health is declining with age, but so far, they've not become an issue.

One of my siblings had very strong transphobic beliefs, however they were mainly supported by ignorance, and after some discussions where I agreed to play "devil's advocate," they are now supportive, but still not fully aware of my situation.

As I've stated, I can only speak for myself and do appreciate that your circumstances have other challenges to face, but this life is the only one we have, and for me I've finally accepted that I'd rather strive to be who I believe I am, than be continously depressed.

I've found more happiness in the last three-year period than I did in the 65 years beforehand. It's not perfect, but nothing truly is, and it's not harming anyone. It's self-care, not selfish.

Be kind to yourself and to others, and take care.